A new friend in Early Childhood!

 

Hello, families and friends,

My name is Arieal Jackson, and I am beyond happy to be working with all of you this school year. I recently graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Psychology and Sociology. During college, I conducted quantitative and qualitative research on The Split Lives created by divorce and its impact on children's socio-emotional well-being. I presented my research at various conferences, the most recent being the Michigan Sociology Association annual conference.

I am the second oldest of five, and I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I have always been passionate about helping young children develop their socioemotional skills at all ages. Being able to watch all of my siblings form into different personalities inspires me and reinforces the fact that every child is different, but together they are great. Community and stability is important during this age period and It has been such a blessing to join a welcoming community.

 At ASA, I teach the second step program to all pre-kindergarten classes and provide emotional and behavioral support for pre-k. Each and every one of you has such special children, and I can’t wait to watch them transition from pre-school to Kindergarten.  In my free time, you can find me running at Riverside Park, hanging out with all of my siblings, or at home with my cat, Piper.

I can't wait to continue growing with the ASA community. Please never hesitate to reach out to me, as I am a resource for not just students but parents, too. I can be best reached at AJackson@asagr.org.